Lord Jim · Chapter
Chapter XXVI explained
Marlow recounts Jim's successful military campaign against Sherif Ali, describing how Jim devised and executed an audacious plan to mount Doramin's old cannons on a hilltop, with the support of Doramin and his son Dain Waris.
What happens
Marlow recounts Jim's successful military campaign against Sherif Ali, describing how Jim devised and executed an audacious plan to mount Doramin's old cannons on a hilltop, with the support of Doramin and his son Dain Waris. The chapter highlights Jim's leadership, his deep friendship with Dain Waris, and his symbolic dominance over the land of Patusan.
Themes in this chapter
Colonialism and Otherness
Jim's leadership over the Bugis community and his friendship with Dain Waris highlight the complex interplay of race, power, and mutual respect in a colonial setting.
The Nature of Courage and Cowardice
Jim's audacious plan and Doramin's willingness to die if it failed exemplify courage, contrasting with the earlier cowardice of the Patna incident.
Fate and Free Will
Jim's assertion that the idea 'seemed to come to him' and his decisive action suggest a blend of fate and personal agency in shaping his destiny.
Characters to notice
- Jim
Describes his audacious plan to mount cannons on the hill, his leadership during the night assault, and his symbolic dominance over Patusan.
- Marlow
Narrates Jim's story from the hilltop, reflecting on Jim's symbolic significance and his own interest in Jim's fate.
- Doramin
Depicted as an imposing, monumental figure who was carried up the hill in his armchair, with immense flintlock pistols, ready to die if the plan failed.
- Dain Waris
Described as a distinguished youth with a European mind, the first to believe in Jim, and the best friend Jim ever had.
- Stein
Mentioned as the giver of Doramin's magnificent flintlock pistols, in exchange for the ring.
- Sherif Ali
Referenced as the enemy whose impregnable camp was taken, and who thought the Bugis mad for attempting the hill assault.
Key passages
“Without the weight of Doramin’s authority, and his son’s fiery enthusiasm, he would have failed.”
Jim's success depended on Doramin's influence and Dain Waris's passionate support.
Highlights the collaborative nature of Jim's victory.
“He dominated the forest, the secular gloom, the old mankind. He was like a figure set up on a pedestal, to represent in his persistent youth the power, and perhaps the virtues, of races that never grow old, that have emerged from the gloom.”
Jim stood as a symbolic figure of youthful power and virtue over the ancient land and its people.
Marlow's reflection on Jim's symbolic role in Patusan.
“It seemed to come to me. All at once I saw what I had to do.”
Jim felt the plan came to him suddenly, revealing his course of action.
Jim's description of his moment of insight.